French Outdoor Antique Market - almost like home!

Marin County just north of the Golden Gate Bridge is an idyllic place. I love living here. I keep being charmed by its rolling hills, its small charming towns, its lagoons, marinas and shorelines.There is also the warm sun, the tender friendships I've made, the ease of a quick drive to the world-famous wine country - and most definitely I am charmed by the outdoor markets that abound in the region. 

The weekend Farmers' Markets are a delight. There is an abundance of local and seasonal organic produce stretched over many stands; but I must say that strolling the two aisles of the Marin County French Outdoor Antique Market tops my list of local 'feel the sunshine' joy. Frank Lloyd Wright's impressive Civic Center circles the road behind this market. From April through November on the 2nd Sunday of the month, there are troves of French inspired vintage treasures, collectibles of bygone times, estate jewelry and china, vintage toys aplenty, shabby chic finds for that perfect décor, antique furniture or distressed modern pieces, and chock full of hand crafted artisan wares. 

I always take my time. I stroll lazily. I enjoy capturing close ups that inspire me. I might have a crepe.   I listen to the accordionist or the French songstress, and bask in the heat of the day, thinking of my ancestral home in the south of France, and it is pure joy to find it right here in Marin County as well.

My first post about the French Market was a few years back - click here - 

Back then, I was delightfully surprised by its charm. 

Another time, I went just to capture the sweet faces of porcelain figurines - click here - each one eagerly awaiting its new owner. Today I return time and again, excited at what I will discover.

Mark your calendars ~ you will soon discover how good this is for the soul...

Enjoy as always, Adeline

Detour 101 - a 9000 acre treasure -

I will take you on a detour. It was quite magical. It truly was. It was a Monday. The weekend crowds had left the mountains, and I was heading home to the Bay Area, when I decided to take a wrong turn! The day before, after leaving Lassen Volcanic National Park, my partner and I had meandered south along the spectacular Feather River National Scenic Byway in Plumas National Forest. To put it simply, a stunning drive through a stunning gorge. 

The Bay Area was still hours away. With no set plans for Monday, and time on our hands, we continued south, observing open barren land for the most part, when I saw a sign "Gray Lodge Wildlife Area". Why head straight home when you can go 'off' course? 

In the middle of the wide expanse of the Sacramento Valley floor lies a little treasure - actually a very large treasure - a refuge of over 9000 acres of protected wetlands where over a million waterfowl migrate in the winter months. It is a complete oasis in the middle of nowhere, with the added unexpected sight of the Sutter Butte Mountains in the distance - magical at best - a true sanctuary.

We were a bit disoriented to tell the truth. This place was tucked in its own little world, quietly playing homage to Mother Nature away from the bustle of the nearby towns; determined to stay, to smile at the future without a care in the world . 

At this time of year, the surface of the ponds and canals is quiet - the water grasses stand proud, hiding a few dragon flies, frogs, critters. Stray migratory birds linger in small clusters. A few white clouds watch overhead. The winter months are still months away. Then the birds, the geese and the ducks will flock by the thousands and thousands and thousands. I would love to come back to observe this sight. From what I gather, it is a sight to behold.

The long weekend could not have ended better. A bit in disbelief at the beauty we had just witnessed, we continued on driving over levees to the west, through Colusa, on to the charming small town of Winters to stop at Preserves, a chic restaurant aka a gastro pub with a definite caché - I loved its unusual mix of industrial décor, hand-built furniture, regional craft beers, antique cameras, and hand-made preserves. Some of you might know my slight addiction to jams and preserves...!

How often have you taken a wrong turn? Be prepared to be awed. Be prepared for beauty.

Be prepared to let go. It sure is good for the soul.

Enjoy as always, Adeline

ps. do you see the mountains in the distance?